Seeing Your New Breasts For The First Time After Explanting

No matter how confident and secure you are in your relationship or with your body, the thought of getting an explant and going back to a smaller breast size is scary.

“Will I be completely flat?”

“What if I end up deformed or misshaped?”

“What if I have big scars that never go away?”

I’d like to think that I’m a pretty secure woman who is confident and happy with her body, but we all have our moments.

Yes, even Beyonce and J Lo.

In this blog I want to share with you my perspective and give you some things to think about when it comes to your new breasts.

When I decided to explant I knew I’d be small because I have very little breast tissue and my skin is thin, both due to breast feeding my son for four months.

Honestly, I expected to be flat… and I was perfectly ok with that if it meant getting my health and life back.

My health, family, happiness and quality of life are what’s most important to me… not the size of my breasts.

Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and decisions that just don’t seem fair. And this was definitely one of those times.

I had to stop fronting, get really honest with myself and ask: Would you rather have these big breasts that are potentially making you ill and continue to live a mediocre life, or are you ok with having smaller breasts and living a freaking epic life? – you can’t have both.

Not in my case at least.

For me it was an easy decision!

I was willing to lose a physical (foreign) part of myself if it meant the emotional, mental and spiritual side of me would flourish and shine bright again.

And boy has it been!

I was glad to trade my breast implants and have some pretty scars for a brand new life full of unlimited happiness, health, success and adventures.

Ultimately I was done with the days of:

  • laying around, doing the bare minimum each day just to get by.
  • never wanting to do anything with my family because I didn’t have the energy or desire to.
  • watching everyone around me grow their businesses and succeed in life.
  • feeling like I was lazy, when I knew in my heart I am a very driven, ambitious woman.

No regrets. Not a single one.

Smaller breasts do not mean you’re any less of a woman, less worthy of love, less deserving or less attractive. I don’t give a flying flip what society or trolls on the internet try to tell you.

You’re beautiful just as you are. Your breasts do NOT define you.

And you wanna know something crazy? I am a more confident woman standing here before you today than I ever was with my breast implants.

I mean, I got breast implants because I wasn’t confident in the first place. You know?

Not only did I explant because I wanted to feel alive again, I explanted (without hesitation) because I now realize wholeheartedly that confidence does not have anything to do with a body part. Plus I’m a health coach and it felt so out of alignment to be teaching someone how to be healthy when I’m sitting here with two toxic foreign objects implanted inside of my body for the sake of vanity.

I was not being a good example of true health and loving your body as it is. That’s how I felt inside and I hated it. Alignment is everything to me

From my own personal transformation and in my own opinion, confidence stems from taking your power back, setting firm boundaries with everyone close to you, knowing and realizing your worth and falling madly in love with every inch of yourself despite what anyone else says or thinks about you.

What to expect after surgery and some of my best self-love advice

    1. When you first get out surgery you’re going to look down and things are going to look smushed and wrinkly. This is totally normal, don’t worry!

 

    1. How you look on day one is not how you’ll look on month one or  year one. Let your husband know…

 

    1. After your explant you’re going to feel so much better that your new breast size won’t matter at all (at least this is what I’m hoping happens).

 

    1. Be patient with your body. She just went through a serious surgery and is doing the best she can to heal and repair things, while still focusing on all your other bodily functions.

 

    1. I did a Live chat with my good friend Sarah Phillipe last month about self-love… here are our notes. This goes over a ton and are all the things I did to get me to where I am today on my self-love journey.

 

    1. From my own personal experience and after talking to a few women, your breasts after explant will jiggle more. Going over bumps and running are going to feel weird for a couple months. Just something I thought I should mention because it’s weird lol

 

    1. This entire process is an adjustment for your spouse too. At the end of the day he should be supportive and proud of you for taking control of your health. If your breasts are more important to him than your health, he’s not the one for you. I unapologetically feel this way. Being with a man who only cares about your looks is not healthy… I hope you understand this.

 

    1. Showing your husband your new breasts, especially if you had implants before you two met, is going to be uncomfortable at first. “What is he honestly thinking?” But just rock it! Own it. Show him the real you that is happy with her decision and not shaken by the looks of your new breasts (even if you are a little bit). I’m telling you, he’s going to find that quality about you so sexy.

 

    1. I’m the type of person who’s like “look at these and get used to them. I’m proud of myself and happy with my itty bittys… and you’re going to be too, darn it.”  😂 I’ve always made things funny or lighthearted in situations like this. What are you going to do anyways? You can’t change anything. Might as well embrace it.

 

    1. You have two choices – let it affect you and your relationship negatively or just have fun and laugh at it all. I choose to make the best of any situation, even if it’s not a good one to be in. I’m always joking about my small boobies. You’ll still find me looking down and saying “damn, that happened so fast! Where’d they go!?”

 

Knock your husbands socks off and show him that you’re a confident, powerful women and your breast size will not take that away from you or the relationship!

You’re a brave, beautiful woman and I’m so very proud of you!

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

Exercising After Explant

So you just explanted – congratulations!

I bet you can’t wait to get back to the gym, lift weights and start losing some weight. Am I right?

Or maybe you’ve been ill and fatigued for so long that exercising had to be put on the back burner altogether.

Either way, this article is going to help you ease back into exercising after explanting.

 

Some of the most common symptoms of Breast Implant Illness include:

  • extreme fatigue
  • poor recovery after exercise
  • inflammation
  • weight gain
  • depression
  • achy joints (especially the hip)
  • muscle weakness
  • dehydration

which make it a challenge to get an effective workout in.

You’re probably going to feel good after you explant, but you want to be sure to not do too much, too soon.

I follow a lot of women’s explant journey online, so I see this kind of thing happen all the time.

They end up feeling so good that they just want to get up and go, go, go. Only to be left feeling completely drained and wiped out by the end of the day.

Slow and steady wins… be patient with your body. You just had a major surgery and went under anesthesia.

For the first two weeks all I did was literally slow laps around my couch for 15 minutes, twice a day.

Be sure you get clearance from your surgeon before you exercise, and go over with him/her about what to expect with post-op recovery to be sure that you stay safe and heal properly.

The thing about exercising after explant is you don’t want to trip and hurt yourself, pop a stitch, pull your muscle or raise your blood pressure too high – which can be serious.

I wouldn’t recommend doing any kind of weight lifting or pulling until you get cleared to. And even then, you want to be sure you’re using very light weights and doing the movements slow and controlled.

I got cleared to start lifting weights at six weeks out.

Here’s what I did.

Because my surgeon made it very clear to not lift anything over head or pull anything down from overhead for a solid five weeks, I started with isolation exercises such as:

  • overhead press with a 5lb plate x20 reps (shoulders)
  • bicep curls with 5lb dumbbells
  • rope pulldowns (triceps)
  • side raises with 5lb dumbbells (shoulders)
  • upright rows with a 20lb curl bar (shoulders & upper back)
  • overhead tricep extension with a 5lb dumbbell

I made sure I went very light and slow, feeling to make sure nothing was pulling or feeling weird.

It took me about 10 – 11 weeks to feel 100% normal, to where it didn’t feel like my right breast muscle was moving and not attached (it’s hard to explain the feeling).

I’m three months out and am finally at a point where my motivation to exercise and get in shape is high because I have energy, strength and I feel fully healed.

Some basic tips to get you started are:

  1. Wait to get permission and clearance from your surgeon. That’s number one.
  2. When you do start walking and exercising again make sure you start off slow, even if you’re an intermediate and expert lifter like me. Lightheadedness and weakness can happen fast, so I’d personally be somewhere where there’s a lot of people around, just in case.
  3. Your body just went through a serious surgery and trauma. Be patient with it. Healing and repairing takes weeks so don’t push it just because you’re feeling good. Ease into it.
  4. When you start lifting weights, keep your reps in the 20-25 range. Nothing heavy or too strenuous for your body. Use it more to get the blood flowing and strengthen your muscles and joints again.
  5. If anything feels “wrong” or painful, stop immediately. You don’t want to take any chances with rips or tears, whether internal or external with your incision.
  6. Thirty minutes, three days a week is a good starting point. Feel how your body recovers and then each couple of weeks add in more frequency (days) and duration (time spent exercising).
  7. Rebounding is fun and also has amazing health benefits!

If you just explanted, are looking to get back into the swing of things and would like some professional guidance – I’m a personal trainer & health and fitness coach. I currently work with women who struggle with binge & emotional eating, but fitness and exercise are still a big part of what I do – professionally and personally.

… Mind… Body… Soul, baby.

I’d be more than happy to create you a custom-tailored four or eight week exercise program. Just let me know.

Do you have any questions?

Comment below or ask them in my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Health Benefits of Dry Brushing And how To

When was the last time you took 10 minutes for yourself?

 

Something that soothes me (plus it’s a cheap way to pamper your body with a numerous amount of health benefits) is called DRY BRUSHING.

Have you tried it?

🔅HOW TO:

So here’s the trick (it’s very important) — you must do long, gentle strokes towards your heart. Not short, hard strokes heading towards the tips of your body.

 

Your skin should be pink (not red) after a session.

 

Got it? Twice daily or before a shower for best results.

🔅Benefits of Dry Brushing:

 

1. Stimulates your lymphatic system helping it release toxins. Your lymphatic system is responsible for responsible for picking up bacteria, viruses, waste, toxins, cancer cells, etc. and killing them. To me the lymphatic system is just as important as your immune system.

 

2. A powerful detoxification tool without having to introduce liquids into the body (internal detox).

 

3. Helps remove dead, dry skin making your skin look younger and feel softer.

 

4. Boosts circulation helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite over time (if done consistently).

 

5. It’s invigorating and a great stress reliever (trust me).

 

It’s SO easy, right?!

 

Two things I would add to this would be rebounding & hydrotherapy.

 

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina
Not on Facebook? Join me on Instagram! 

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,
❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

How To Approach Your Friends About Breast Implant Illness

Bringing up Breast Implant Illness to friends and family can be a touchy and uncomfortable topic.

“My best friend knows my breast implants made me sick for years, but she won’t listen to me. She’s still going to get a breast augmentation.”

“My sister is ill and knows about Breast Implant Illness, yet she doesn’t want to hear it or admit that her implants are making her sick.”

I hear story’s like this every week.

And if you’re a warrior like me, who was sick for years and explanted, you just want everyone else around you to listen up and follow suit. Right?

It’s hard to fathom that women would continue to (or potentially) jeopardize their health and livelihood for larger breasts, but if you continue to hound your friends and family you’re just going to end up annoying them and possibly losing the relationship you have with them.

Here are my best pieces of advice for you:


1. All we can do is inform others. It’s then entirely up to them to do what they want with the information you presented to them. Some women will get it immediately, some might take some time and some might be so stubborn that they avoid you like he plague.

2. It’s not our responsibility or job to try and convince or manipulate someone else into doing what we think (and know) is right for them. Even though we’ve been through the fire and we know how good life is on the other side, it’s not right to keep pounding on the door when you were never invited in the first place.

3. When you approach a women about Breast Implant Illness be very mindful of your tone and body language. I’m sure we’ve all had those times where we said something with a little too much “energy” that got interpreted wrong just because of our tone. Acting nonchalant, yet assertive and concerned, is what I think works best.

4. Not all women are ready to admit or face the truth that their implants are whats making them sick. There are a lot of women who:
– aren’t confident in their own body as is
– lack self-love and self-worth
– feel insecure in their marriage or are with a “boob man” so they think their husband will be unsupportive
– just aren’t in the right mental space to take all this on
– aren’t ready to part ways with their implants for whatever reason

Tread lightly and have patience with these women. They’re going through enough.

5. If you happen to find an article online, a Facebook Group or any information about Breast Implant Illness, tag her in it. You never know, maybe something will catch her attention.

 

Here’s exactly how I would approach a friend:

Me: “hey, are you still not feeling well?”

Her: “all her excuses and reasons……”

Me: “did you ever stop to think it could be your implants? I know we were told back when we got them that they were safe, but since then there’s been a ton of research linking implants to a cluster of illnesses and symptoms, identical to yours. It’s called Breast Implant Illness – here, join this Group and just check it out for yourself. Whatever you decide to do is entirely up to you.”

That’s literally it.

Either she’s going to be open to receiving the information (like we were) and thank you, or she’s going to completely push it aside.

Both of which are her choice and decision.

I’m the type of person who wants to save everyone, so I get it.

But I can’t wear myself down and drive myself crazy trying to convince every women that it’s her implants making her sick.

I’m very protective of my energy and vibration, so for me spending too much time on people who don’t want my help (yet) isn’t worth it. 

You’re an adult, they’re an adult… and at the end of the day your health is your responsibility and her health is her responsibility.

They’ll know who to come to if/when they start feeling ill – trust and believe that. 🙏🏼

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic?

Have you had a similar experience?

 

If you’re on Facebook join my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

The Truth And Misconception About “The Recommended Surgeon Lists”

I get messages all the time about “The Recommended Explant Surgeon Lists” online and inside Facebook Groups, and what to do if a surgeon isn’t on the list.

While I think it’s a great general list to start with, it is NOT the “be all” list.

My advice to you would be:

* If you find a plastic surgeon who will do a proper explant (en Bloc & capsulectomy)… go with him/her. When it comes to explanting, this is essentially all you need to be concerned about – that they’ll get all the capsule out and take the implant and capsule out in one piece (en bloc). If they believe in BII that’s an added bonus… but if they don’t, as long as they treat you with respect, that’s what counts. 

* If you find a surgeon who is NOT on “the list” it doesn’t mean that they’re not qualified to perform your explant surgery. It just means that they aren’t that popular or not enough women have used that particular surgeon. 

* There are thousands of plastic surgeons all around the world that are NOT on “the list”, that are fantastic surgeons who will do a proper explant and give you an awesome experience. I know women who used surgeons on “the list” that had horrific experiences, and also women who went with a surgeon not on “the list” who had exceptional results and care. The best thing you can do is post “I’m thinking about going with Dr. ___ for my explant – has anyone used him/her?” inside of whatever Group you’re in and hear real experiences. You’d be surprised. 

The lists you see out there are simply general recommendations of surgeons who come highly recommended by women who have used them. That’s it. Do NOT allow anyone to coerce you into thinking that “a plastic surgeon is not qualified” just because they’re not on their list.

 

💖This is YOUR decision, YOUR body, YOUR health, YOUR life.

 

”The Recommended Surgeon List” in Support Groups and on websites tend to be causing way too much confusion and concern with women, prolonging their explant surgery. I personally see it almost weekly from desperate women who feel stuck because a surgeon they want to use, who might even believe in Breast Implant Illness, isn’t on “The Recommended Explant Surgeon List”. 

 

 

If you find a surgeon who can/will do an explant en Bloc with a capsulectomy – that’s your surgeon! Period.

 

At the end of the day I HIGHLY recommend to be your own advocate, do your own research, look at reviews online and do what’s right for you and your body.

 

You have my support… no matter which surgeon you chose ❤︎

 

 

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,
 ❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Notes About Self-Love With Sarah Phillipe

I had the privilege to chat with Sarah Phillipe from Reversing Breast Implant Illness and her Group of 1,1oo women today! 

Here’s a breakdown of what we discussed.

What is Size: Happy?

Size: Happy is a movement and this is the message –

  1. We embrace, appreciate and love our body during every phase of our journey.
  2. Our worth and confidence isn’t determined by a number or size – it’s measured by all the things that make us happy and make us feel good.
  3. Happiness is something  that we are choosing to experience right now, no matter what our current breast size, jean size or body size is.
  4. We don’t wait until we achieve a certain size or have that tangible thing to live in happiness – we live with it here and now, while still working towards our goals and big dreams.
  5. We do not live by societies standards (or anybody’s opinions) of what’s in or considered to be pretty – we live by our own rules and make up our own minds as to what we feel is beautiful.

I’m a rebel naturally, so I don’t typically follow norms or conform to labels.

The way I see it, “whose to tell me what’s beautiful, in or trendy this season?” Not some magazine or celebrity gossip channel, that’s for sure.

Here’s the fact – you’re going to be “too much” or “not enough” for some people.

And oh-freaking-well. That’s their issue and not yours to carry around or believe.

 

What does self-love look like to you and what would you say to those who are struggling with it?

 

My definition of self love is doing anything that makes you feel pretty or makes you happy.

That could be anything from:

  • painting your own nails
  • taking a hot bubble bath
  • getting dressed up for no reason
  • getting a massage on your lunch break
  • saying no when you really want to say no
  • setting boundaries (this is super important)
  • eating in a way that serves you and your goals
  • playing with animals (one thing that makes me so happy every time)
  • watching a movie or reading a book instead of finishing your to-do list
  • eliminating, removing or decreasing all the things and people that don’t serve you

If you’re struggling with self-love, you might need to unravel a lot of old programming, limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that isn’t true, serving you or allowing you to grow and evolve.

We pick up a lot of things subconsciously throughout our life from the people closest to us, strangers and even tv and magazines.

Our past experiences, relationships and interactions shape up into who we are today.

One of the best things you can start with is to dig deep into understanding where these thoughts and feelings are stemmed from, and then identifying if they are in fact actually true (which 99% of the time they’re not).

As you go through this process, do not judge what comes up. Do not dwell on a thought or past experience for too long.

Allowing yourself to feel “negative emotions” is one of the fasted ways to heal.

You must feel to fully heal.

 

From your years of struggling with self-love and coaching hundreds of women, what are your best pieces of advice or things women can do to start living with more self-love and start fully embracing their new body?

 

  1. Ask yourself , What do I have control of? 

Your health, happiness, attitude and actions are four of the biggest ones.

Everything else that you don’t have control of, such as:

  • your breast size after surgery
  • what the pains going to be like
  • what happens to you on the surgery table once you’re under anesthesia

you need to release and let go of.

At the end of the day you’re going to have surgery and you’re going to have smaller breasts. That’s all you know for sure.

What’s in your control is the fact that you can pray that everything goes well, hand it over to whoever you believe in and have faith.

*trust me, I’m a control freak do this takes work

 

2. Change your thoughts and the words you use.

Thoughts are powerful. More powerful than you may know.

I talked about this in one of my other blogs,  but words like “can’t, scared, mad, ugly,”, etc. literally weaken the body, whereas things like “I’ll figure it out, I can do this, everything’s going to go smooth, I’m going to feel amazing” strengthen the body and carry a different vibrational frequency.

I know… it’s woo-woo, but it’s a fact.

On the topic of thoughts and words, social media needs to be brought up.

If you’re following an account and you notice that you’re always sitting there comparing your looks or body to anothers, which is leaving you feeling less then or not enough, I highly encourage you to unfollow that account.

You sitting there comparing isn’t allowing you to grow.

It’s keeping you stuck, destroying your mental health and brain washing you into believing that everyones lives are perfect and flawless – which is the furthest thing from the truth.

Next time you’re scrolling through social media, if what you’re seeing isn’t empowering, inspiring or motivating you, hit unfollow.

Your mental health and confidence will improve so fast within a month!

 

3. It’s about awareness and how quickly you bounce back!

We all have slips ups in our actions/habits and words/thoughts – and that’s ok.

For instance, I find myself comparing my body or breasts to anther woman at least once a week.

I now quickly catch myself, pull myself back into a loving state and remind myself that nobody else’s beauty diminishes mine.

This will take time, but as it continues to happen it’ll get easier and easier and you’ll catch yourself quicker and quicker.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about realizing that when a thought, person or action/habit isn’t serving you and then quickly doing something about it.

Don’t let things simmer or fester. Just be patient with you body and self and know that you’ll always be a work-in-progress.

You never “arrive“. You will always be growing and evolving. That’s life.

 

4. Regarding your breasts and scars after surgery.

Yes, your breasts will look smaller and like a deflated balloon right after surgery.

Don’t stress.

Over the course of a year your breasts are going to change shape and fill out.

Once you see how good you feel, the size of our breasts aren’t even going to matter.

I’d much rather have my small A cup and feel amazing than to go back to a D cup and feel run down everyday.

For most of you, it’s only going to be you and your husband looking at your breasts and scars, I assume.

It’ll be an adjustment for the both of you, but it’s nothing you guys can’t handle.

Plus, I’m going to bet as soon as your husband starts to see how much better you’re feeling and how much more energy you have, he’s going to adore and appreciate you and your decision even more.

 

To watch the Live video, visit Sarah’s Facebook Group Reversing Breast Implant Illness With Sarah Phillipe.

Visit her website to learn more about her and how she can help you Reverse Breast Implant Illness.

 

Health Benefits of Rebounding And How To

Rebounding is a fun way to burn a few calories, get your child’s play in and stimulate your lymphatic system!

 

The Health Benefits of Rebounding:

  1. First off, Rebounding is fun!
  2. Why I do it … Boosts lymphatic drainage and immune function.
  3. Great for skeletal system and increasing bone mass.
  4. Helps improve digestion.
  5. More than twice as effective as running without the extra stress on the ankles and knees.
  6. Helps improve the effects of other exercise- one study found that those who rebounded for 30 seconds between weight lifting sets saw 25% more improvement after 12 weeks than those who did not.
  7. Increases endurance on a cellular level by stimulating mitochondrial production (these are responsible for cell energy).
  8. Helps improve balance by stimulating the vestibule in the middle ear.
  9. Rebounding helps circulate oxygen throughout the body to increase energy.
  10. Rebounding in a whole body exercise that improves muscle tone throughout the body.
  11. Some sources online claim that the motion of rebounding could help support the thyroid and adrenals.

 

How To Do It (there’s a technique):

It is best to start with feet on the rebounder and only gentle bounces, as opposed to high jumps. Short, soft landing jumps is the trick. 3-5 minutes a day, twice daily, is all you need to reap the benefits. Keep it in a place where you’re going to see it. Take turns with your kids.

The action of rebounding makes use of the increased G-force from gravity based exercises like this and each cell in the body has to respond to the acceleration and deceleration. The up and down motion is beneficial for the lymphatic system since it runs in a vertical direction in the body.

Another study showed that the increased G-force helped increase Lymphocyte activity. The lymph system transports immune cells throughout the body and supports immune function. For this reason, rebounding is often suggested as a detoxifying and immune boosting activity.

 

After my cancer scare in 2015, I began researching anything having to do with detoxing, cleansing and healing the body (it has to be done in this order to work).

I’m a firm believer that the body is capable of healing, if you believe it can and do the necessary actions.

If you enjoy my blogs – join my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina, for more information about all things breast implants, Breast Implant Illness, the explanting process and how to heal mind-body-soul after your surgery.

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to regained health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Something I Got Back After My Explant That I Didn’t Realize I Lost

Today is Thursday October 18, 2018 and I’m 11 weeks post-explant.

As each week passes me by I’m realizing more and more just how ill I was.

Since 2014, when all Hell broke lose, I’ve been miserable.

Over the last four years I’ve unknowingly just got used to feeling like crap on a daily basis.

From the debilitating fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and depression bouts and hip pain, to the clumps of hair loss, rapidly declining vision and non-existent libido, I learned to live this way.

Now that I can look back, gosh. I was not living life to the fullest.

I lost my personalty and I didn’t even realize it. 

When I had my breast implants I was so boring, lazy, tired, unmotivated, grumpy and low vibe.

And that’s how some of my closest friends referred to me, too. That stung.

Now, 77 days after my explant, I’m anything but those things.

I wake up excited for my day, not foggy and irritable.

I can’t stand laying around on the couch anymore watching life pass me by, endlessly scrolling social media, vicariously living through everyone else’s life.

My mental and physical energy is through the roof and even-keeled.

I’m now noticeably happier, funnier, wittier, sassier, bubblier, more energetic and confident and a blast to be around. 

Sometimes I even surprise myself with my rediscovered personality!

I honestly feel like a new woman with a new body living a new life.

Looking back at these last four years, I chalked everything up to being unhappy with how things were going in different areas of my life. I blamed my symptoms on competing in fitness competitions, the Epstein Barr Virus, my thyroid and being a busy mom.

I was made to believe that my mental health issues and physical pains were related to stress and my age.

Here I was searching for all the answers and solutions outside of me when all along it was what was inside of me that was causing me angst and misery. 

👸🏻I’m baaaack, bishes. 

That’s how I feel 🙂

I had no idea that I lost myself… but I’m freaking so grateful she’s back.

I’m tearing up just writing this.

If you’re going through your own personal Hell right now, you’re going to be fine.

You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.

You can handle this.

Everything from your physical symptoms, diagnoses and personality will improve after explant – I can almost guarantee it.

 

Since I’ve explanted I’ve been putting in approxamently 30 hours a week towards educating women about:

  • the possible risks associated with breast implants
  • Breast Implant Illness
  • the explant process
  • pre and post op care
  • how to deepen their self-love, increase their confidence and start loving and embracing their new beautiful body
  • ways to heal on a mind-body-soul level

You won’t find me sitting back in silence, now that I’ve explanted, just watching thousands of women get breast implants without knowing the potential risks.

I’m fully dedicated to this cause and mission and educating the masses.

 

If you’re on Facebook, join my Group: Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

If you’re not on Facebook, find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to renewed health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

My Experience With Dr. Dev From Aqua Plastic Surgery

Everything you’re about to read is from my own experience, perspective and in my own opinion. 

 

Before I get into my testimonial, I want to share with you a little back story.

 

I was watching the local news early one evening in mid 2017. They were doing a segment about a few ladies who explanted because they claimed their breast implants made them sick and how much better they started feeling afterwards.

They mentioned Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, Florida and the word Breast Implant Illness.

 

I was both completely shocked by what I was hearing and also over the moon excited to have finally found my answer.

I knew without a doubt that this was the root of all my issues.

And lucky for me, I had one of the best plastic surgery centers in the United States, Aqua Plastic Surgery, right down the road from me.

That very day my research begun.

The day after the news aired that segment on Breast Implant illness I called Aqua’s explant assistant. I asked them a dozen questions about the symptoms associated with Breast Implant Illness and the explant surgery process.

 

After a week of thinking about it and feeling it all out, I decided “yep, I’m getting these things out!“

Life kinda got in the way and a year passed me by, but in mid June of 2018 it all resurfaced.

I remember it so clearly. I was upstairs doing laundry and a voice said “all of these symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s not normal. You’re too young to be going through what you’re going through. Get the ball rolling and set up your consultation.“

I was experiencing shortness of breath at the time – I’ll never forget it.

So I picked up the phone, called Aqua Plastic Surgery and set up my consultation.

A week later I put down my deposit and locked in my actual date.

“Oh my gosh, I’m really doing this.”

 

My original surgery was going to be on Monday November 26, 2018 (after Thanksgiving) with Dr Rankin, but I did not want to wait four months.

I could feel my anxiety getting worse as I was sitting there waiting. 

Each day I woke up I had a strong pull to just get it done sooner and switch to Dr. Dev, Dr. Rankin’s partner at Aqua Plastic Surgery.

So in good ol’ Christina fashion, I asked the Universe for a sign.

 

On July 26, 2018 I took my dog out for a walk after breakfast and looked up in the sky.

I whispered “If I’m supposed to go with Dr. Dev, show me a deer. I don’t care if it’s in person or on tv, just show me a deer. If I’m supposed to go with Dr. Rankin and just hold off, show me a raccoon. I don’t care if it’s in person or on tv, just show me a raccoon.“

Four days later my son was watching Americas Funniest Home Videos in our bed and there it was… the deer.

The date was Monday July 30, 2018. Four days later.

“Okay, I guess I’m supposed to go with Dr. Dev“, I said. 

I already had my consultation scheduled with him for that Friday August 3, 2018, so I felt relieved.

20 minutes after I saw the deer on tv, I see this in Aqua Plastic Surgery’s Instagram Story – “we have an opening on our surgical schedule this week for Dr. Dev. Patient did not get clearance. If you are ready to go, please call Beatrice.”

I keep the screen shot of it in my phone because nothing like this has ever happened before in my life. I mean, come on Universe!

I got the sign and opportunity for me to take action all within 20 minutes. 

It all happened so fast.

At this point, I still haven’t met Dr. Dev but I knew I was supposed to go with him.

 

I woke John up and said “honey, Dr. Dev has a surgical opening this Thursday. I can get my explant done this week!”

After going back and forth with both John and Beatrice for an hour, I made the decision to go ahead and schedule my explant surgery sooner with Dr. Dev.

I went from being four months out with Dr. Rankin to now four days out with Dr. Dev.

Talk about “holy shit, what do I need to do to prepare?“

That Monday afternoon I drove to Jupiter and had my pre-op done, signed all the necessary paper work, met Dr. Dev for the first time and was now preparing for a major surgery within a few days.

 

Which leads me to my experience with Dr Dev (and the entire team).

 

The day I met Dev I knew he was the right surgeon for me. 

He is warm, personable, takes his time answering questions and has a light-hearted, compassionate spirit about him.

I felt at total ease with my decision and confident in his ability.

Besides his personality and awesome energy, he does exactly the same thing Rankin does – en Bloc, total capsulectomy, Nerve Bloc, the wrap around tissue lift/technique, muscle repair (if needed) and axillary scar release and axillary lymph node internal/external manual palpating and biopsies (if needed).  

When I was going back and forth in my head trying to figure out who I should go with, I kept thinking, “Dr. Dev can do the same thing Dr. Rankin can, so why wait? Get it over with. Get four months of your life back. Rankin wouldn’t have Dev as a partner if he didn’t like his aesthetic work.“

I can’t say enough nice things about the entire process.

Everyone from Dr. Dev, the girls at the front desk, my nurses and anesthesiologist – everyone was amazing!

It’s all about the team, just as much as the surgeon.

I love my results, too!

I anticipated to be flat because I have thin skin and little breast tissue, but I’m not.

Are they small? Yes!

Do I care? NO!

After my surgery I had a couple of minor hiccups and Dr. Dev was always very responsive to my texts.

I definitely give 5 stars!

  • The process (on such a short notice) was executed flawlessly.
  • Dr. Dev has good bedside manners, is warm, qualified and has everything he needs to do a proper, safe explant.
  • The entire staff is friendly.
  • Post-op care and communication is top notch.

If you’re considering Dr. Dev for your explant surgery, I highly recommend him and the Miami location.

He is the best money can buy, in my opinion. 

 

For more information about Dr Dev meet him here.

 

I myself have a Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education with Christina.

This is a place where I:

  • educate women about Breast Implant Illness and the explanting process
  • bring on guest experts in the natural health and self-love niche and surgeons (Dr Dev did a 75 minute Live with me – it’s incredible!)
  • host monthly giveaways
  • answer your pressing questions and offer guidance both pre and post op

 

If you have any questions for me about my journey or Dr Dev please comment below or ask me in the Facebook Group.

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to renewed health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

 ❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy And How To

WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?

Hydrotherapy is a technique that uses the temperature and pressure of water to stimulate circulation & clearance of our main detoxification organs: the skin, kidneys, colon, lymphatic system and liver.

Hot water has relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress.

Cold water helps relieve inflammation and stimulates the removal of toxins from elimination organs like the skin and lymph.

How It Works:

When the body is subjected to cold external temperatures, the flow of circulation is directed inward toward the internal organs. As the outside temperature gets hot, the flow of circulation goes outward toward the skin. Alternating hot and cold makes the circulation move in and out like and accordion.

Health Benefits:

– dramatically increases the elimination of waste, thus assisting detoxification.
– Loosens tense, tight muscles and encourages relaxation.
– Increases the metabolic rate and digestion activity.
– Hydrates the cells, improves skin and muscle tone.
– Boosts the immune system, allowing it to function more efficiently.
– Improves the function of the internal organs by stimulating their blood supply.

How To:

1. Step in the shower and get your entire body wet.
2. Slowly increase the temperature up to the hottest point that you can barely stand it. Quickly expose all the parts of the body, including the top of your head and your face.
3. Now turn the water temperature down to the coldest setting you can tolerate. Quickly expose all the parts of the body, including the top of your head and your face.
4. Repeat the procedure seven times ~ seven times hot, seven times cold. Always BEGIN with HOT and END off with COLD.

That’s it! Are you going to try it? 

here’s to regained health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Dennis

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!